Chapter 69: Break the mask
Thursday, February 4th, 11:57 pm. Alone in the kitchen. Sitting still with a look of doubt, but a sense of confidence. Monika awaits for the demons to arrive. As she sits quietly, thoughts of what occurred these past few days repeated constantly in her mind.
"You always had a choice. I wish you came out a boy. Your path is your own. You may be my daughter, but your nothing like me. Choose a path that you want, not what your parents took. You're pathetic, can't you do anything right? For what it's worth I think you're a great President."
Overwhelming thoughts, a shot to her heart. The negative, the positive, the hurtful, the helpful, the sadness, the happiness, the Despair, the Hope. She looks down to her hands and sees an old flier, a flier her and Sayori made when the club first started, a flier she had doubts in as it never brought in new members as she hoped. However, looking back at it now. She finally understood her true intention and why she made the club. After realizing the truth of herself, she had found her new resolve and no longer find use in the mask she wore for years.
The door finally opens as she hears two sets of feet making their way to the kitchen.
Monika's Father: "Monika? What are you still doing up?" He looks at his watch and saw it was 12:13 am.
Monika: "I couldn't sleep."
Monika's Mother: "Get to bed. You shouldn't be up this late unless you have some unfinished business to take of."
Monika: "I do. That's why I'm still up."
Monika's Mother: "Then get to it."
Monika: "I am and it involves you two."
Monika's Father: "Us two? Can it wait until tomorrow?" His daughter shakes her head.
Monika: "No it can't cause I know you both will be gone first thing in the morning."
Monika's Father: "I see."
Monika's Mother: "Then make it quick."
Monika: "It's about the Election we're hold for Student Council President."
Monika's Father: "Ah, I do recall that. How is that going?"
Monika: "…" She stands up in front of both of her parents.
Monika's Mother: "I take it you're ready to win?" Her daughter stares her down as she gets ready to speak up.
*Yesterday*
A new day of school has begun as the Election is just around the corner. After hearing the announcement before lunch. The student body must now decide who they want in charge and must cast their votes tomorrow after hearing each of the Council Members give off their speeches. During that time each of the five members prepare themselves for the big day. While four of them work on their own. Monika makes her way to the library to calm herself. She would have gone to her secret room, but due to the News Paper Club, she didn't want to run the risk of them finding out her secret room. For the time it would be best if she just use the library.
While she waits for lunch to end, she decided to rest up and to think about her conversation she had with Michael the day before. The amount of effort he's been putting through just to motivate her was admirable, but she knew that it wasn't enough. What he said may be the truth, but for her to disobey her parents wasn't an option. They may have been harsh to her, but they did raise her whether she liked it or not. She remained lost in thought until it was time to head back. However he thoughts still linger throughout the rest of the day, even during club hours.
Yuri: "Are you doing well." Monika finally coming out of her senses. "You seem off today?"
Monika: "Oh it's nothing. Sorry to make you worry." She looks around the club to see each of her members playing around in different groups. Sayori, Michael, Johnny, and Hina playing Duel Monsters as it turns out Johnny plays too and Hina wants to see the game in action. Sebastian, Ronald, Sky, and Jane having their own conversation while Natsuki observes Sakura applying make up to Lily.
Yuri: "It's just us two. Everyone else seems to be having fun on their own. You can tell me what's troubling you."
Monika: "Thanks, but I'm doing fine." She gives her a nervous smile.
Yuri: "Forgive me if I'm being nosy."
Monika: "Don't worry about it."
Yuri: "Are you nervous about Friday?" Monika gives herself a surprised look. "I understand if your nervous. Having to give a speech in front of the entire school. I know what it's like to feel that way, but … I'm sure you'll do fine. I believe in you. Whatever you decided to do. I'll support you with my all."
Monika: "Thanks, that means a lot. I'm grateful to have as a friend." She smiles.
Yuri: "Me two." She smiles herself.
While the two share a moment together, Michael took notice of this while Sayori and Johnny Duel against each other and just smiled before resuming, ending today's events. After everyone left and locking the classroom up. Monika makes her way home, but before leaving school grounds, in the middle of the hallways. She came across someone once again.
Monika: "Todd? What are you still doing here?"
Todd: "Oh Monika. I take it you just locked up your club?"
Monika: "I have and you? I thought you already left the Chess Club?"
Todd: "I decided to stay for a bit and help clean things up with the Chess Club President."
Monika: "Ah I see, that was sweet of you."
Todd: "Well I … best take my leave."
Monika: "Wait!" He stops and looks to her. "Did you finish writing your speech for Friday?"
Todd: "…" He looks away for a moment before staring back at his Ex. "I'm still working on that."
Monika: "I see you too? Well let's make things fair and whoever wins, no hard feelings." She offers her hand to him.
Todd: "Right, I'm sure whoever the school picks they're do a great job." He takes her hand and they shook on it. "I better take my leave. I have … a lot of work to do."
Monika: "Right see you tomorrow during the meeting."
Todd: "Yeah, sure." He leaves.
Monika: (That's odd? He's acting a bit different today? That's not like him at all. He's always so calm and confident no matter who he's facing. I wonder what's wrong or is it just my imagination?)
The following day. The last day before the Election, just entering school grounds and attending her first class. Word breaks out as soon as the Principle announces it over the intercom for all to hear the shocking announcement.
Principle: "Attention, may I have all students and staffs ears for this important announcement. It comes with a heavy heart to say this, but one of our Student Council Members Todd has recently bowed out of the campaign." All students and staff give off a shocked expression. "It pains me to say this, but Todd has officially stepped down and will no longer take part in the Election."
Monika: "No way?" (Why? Why did he?)
After receiving the shocking revelation. It became the talk of the town as many students locate and ask Todd on why he chose to leave. Some worry that he may be moving, while others look at it as a positivity allowing Monika the win. This remained until lunch time where all five members gathered to discuss the matter as they have the right to know why Todd left so suddenly and of the day before the Election.
Monika: "What the hell is wrong with you? We promised to work together whether we won or not. Why did you lie to me? Was it because you knew that I would win? Did you do it because …"
Patty: "Monika calm down …" Wyatt pulls her back.
Wyatt: "Don't interfere, this is between them."
Patty: "But?"
Wyatt: "Let them talk it out. We're step in if things go south."
Leo: "Says you. This is a couples quarrel. I'm not getting involved in that mess again."
The three members looked to each other before seeing the two again.
Monika: "Why didn't you say anything? Just yesterday you looked … Did you do this because of our relationship?" Todd widens his eyes as she brings up the past and so do the others.
Todd: "… It's not that." He finally spoke up after getting lectured at for ten minutes.
Monika: "What?"
Todd: "It's not because of that. I'm not leaving because of you or that I'm just going to lose to you."
Monika: "Then what? If it's not that then why? When we first joined the three of us would make the school better. I know you. When you set your mind to it, you stick by that decision as a King should." He avoids eye contact by looking to the ground before speaking up again.
Todd: "I know about our promise, but …"
Monika: "But what? Say it to me, say it to us." She points to the rest of the Council.
Todd: "I don't need to be here to make change."
Monika: "What?" Her eyes widen by his words.
Todd: "When we first got here we promised to make this school better, but instead I just looked down on everyone. I was confident in myself. My parents expect a lot for me, but … after hearing his poem. I don't want to do this anymore. I want a life of my own as Todd, not King." His words struck her.
"I don't want to do this anymore. I want to do things my own way. I want to play chess which is why I left the debate Club, I want to do things differently. This is our last year and I strongly believe that we achieved our goal. The students are getting less in trouble and know his poem touched their hearts. Not everyone will agree on it, but we are making progress. There is no need for me to here anymore, which is why I have confidence in the rest of you. I know you'll continue to watch over the school without me."
Patty: "R-really?" He nods and looks to the other two.
Wyatt: "Well if you have that much confidence in us, then I guess it can't be helped."
Leo: "Whatever, I always hated your guts so it's fine by me if you leave." He turns his back as Patty gives him an upset look.
Monika: "But, what about your parents? Won't they be upset of you?"
Todd: "I already broke the news to them yesterday. They were upset with me, but this … it's my choice to make."
Monika: "!"
Todd: "Sorry to drop this on you all, but you're going to have find someone else to take over." Just as he said that Monika hugs him, taking him by surprised. He hugs he back and soon breaks from the hug.
Monika: "Don't worry about us. We're do fine."
Todd: "Good, I leave it to you four."
After saying what's been on his chest for some time now, both Patty and Wyatt give him a hug goodbye as Leo flips him off. Normally Todd would just give him a response for this, but instead of just speaking, he returns the middle finger with a smirk on his face and Leo smirking himself. For the remainder of the day students would continue talking about the recent news of events only to be shut down by teachers or any of the Council Members along with the Chess Club Members. Soon school hours had ended as everyone gathers in their respected clubs.
Despite the students keeping their mouths shut, the Literature Club members would continue to bring it up, but only briefly as they received the cold stare from their Club President. All except for Sayori, Yuri, Sebastian, and Michael who got off Scott free from her gaze. With the long day finally coming to an end. Monika prepares herself as she heads home. After a long walk home she had time to think to herself.
The sun settling, and the neighborhood calming down as less and less people head home. Taking her time, Monika thought to herself, processing everything that had occurred. She looked back to her past and the promise she made with Todd and Zackary. Think about what Todd said that they achieved their goal, she still felt they haven't, but felt no reason to hold him back. Hearing how tired he was and remembering the look he had yesterday, made it all the more clear. They really are just like each other.
After her long walk home, she finally arrived to her destination and headed straight to her room. When she entered her room she saw the flier Michael gave to her on her desk. Picking it up she looked at it one more time as she remembers the struggles she had making it. The constant rewriting and erasing just to make it perfect only to wound up not inspiring people to join the Literature Club.
She felt hurt and yet she felt Hope. The flier may not have drawn in the crowd, but something else did. When she thinks about it the flier was only a stepping stone. She read the flier again.
"Write the way to your heart"
When she saw those words, she remembered why she left the Debate Club and why she decided to build the Literature Club. It may have been difficult to start off, but she managed to accomplish her goal and finally understood what Todd meant. She started remembering Michael's poem and how it touched everyone's heart. The inspiration it gave to everyone who listened and after hearing it. She finally knows what she has to do no matter what others think.
*Now*
"You always have a choice."
Monika's Mother: "You know what will happen if you were to lose correct?"
Monika: "I know. If I don't go through with this and become the Council President like you then you will disown me for not meeting your expectations."
Monika's Mother: "Good, you do know your place. I except …"
Monika: "I'm not going o go through with it."
Monika's Mother: "What?"
Monika: "I'm not going to be President. I'm dropping out whether you like it or not."
*Slap*
Monika's Mother: "That's enough games! You will follow my orders or so help me God."
Monika: "I refuse to be anything like you!" Both her parents looked to her shocked by her sudden outburst.
Monika's Mother: "Watch your tone missy."
Monika: "No you listen here! All you ever want from me is expectation and yet every time I achieve it it's never good enough. I've worked to the bone since childhood, never having the time to enjoy it with friends, never having the time to play. I missed my childhood for what? Disappointment from you. All you ever done was looked down on me. You never approved on what I want to do and you never supported me whenever I do decide to follow your footsteps.
Footsteps you forced me to follow knowing full well that I can't achieve it at my age and always forcing me back to your path every time I stray from it. The only time you ever gave me that thumbs up was when I was dating Todd and yet when things were going south what did you do? You just told me how stupid I was for breaking up with him. How dumb all my decisions were even now."
Monika's Mother: "That's because it's true." Her daughter gasps. "I have every right to be disappointed in you. You broke up with Todd, the one man that could have lead you to the top. You left the Debate Club for what, a worthless club with no future? How dare you say that to me, you immature child."
Monika: "It's not a worthless club! How dare you say that to the thing we worked hard to build! You have no right to say that because I not like you or dad and I will never be you. A woman who could never let go of a grudge, who always looks down on everyone, who never smiles."
Monika's Mother: "Enough! I've had enough of you disrespect! Don't forget who I am. I am your mother and you will listen!"
Monika: "You aren't my mother!"
Monika's Mother: "!"
Monika: "You may have given birth to me, but you never acted like a mother. I know because I've seen it. The support my friends got from their parents. Who loved them, who supported them, who even left work for their child. Something you never done. You two were never there for me when I was a child. When I got hurt there was no one to help and because of that it became alien for me to comprehend how others feel. Parents protect their children, parents support their children, parents believe in them, something you two never done for me.
You two may be my parents, but your were never a parent to me. I rather be a disappointment then to ever follow your footsteps. I want a life of my own, a life where I can enjoy who I am and what I like. A life far different from yours. I'm not like you and I'll never be like you. You may be my mother, but I'm my own woman. I'm just Monika and that is who I am.
I don't need to meet anyone's expectations, I don't need power, or a fan club. There's no need for me to wear this mask anymore. It's time for me to be the real me. I now understand that with the time I spent with my clubmates, my friends, the ones who looked passed my mask and they still stood by my side after seeing the real me. My club, out club is my pride and soul, and if I can't love myself, I can't love anyone else.
I don't need to mask to hide my flaws, my flaws make me human, it's what makes me perfect. I won't forget the teaching you taught me, but I'll do things my way however I like and it starts by bowing out of the Election. You can say all you want about me, but it will never hurt me more than being someone I'm not. Disown me now, but I will make it out just fine by my own hands."
Monika's Mother: "Hmph! Stupid child. You don't know what you want. I'm done dealing with you. Do what you want, but I expect you to move out after graduation. I don't have a daughter." She turns her back to her only daughter.
Monika: "That's fine by me. I already know what I was getting myself into, but just so you know. I don't regret what I said. I'm more happy now than ever. More than you could ever imagine." Her mother leaves for bed as her dad remains still. "Shouldn't you head up as well?" Her dad doesn't respond. "Got more to say about me?"
Monika's Father: "You've done well."
Monika: "Huh?" She stares up to her father's black eyes.
Monika's Father: "I'm proud of you for finding your own path and you done it with conviction."
Monika: "Father?"
Monika's Father: "Did you know your grandfather, my father wanted me to follow in his footsteps?"
Monika: "He did?"
Monika's Father: "Indeed, he wanted to me to a doctor, but I rejected that offer. I wanted to be something else. My dad always hated the idea of me playing a piano."
Monika: "Is that why you were self-taught."
Monika's Father: "Yeah, but I was determine to learn, soon enough I caught your mother's attention when we were in college."
Monika: "I see."
Monika's Father: "You're mother meant every word, you know that. There's no sugarcoating it."
Monika: "I know, but I rather be kicked out than to be her. I learned that from someone who faced the same problem and now he's truly free from his demons."
Monika's Father: "I see. Has your mother ever told you about her mom, your grandmother?"
Monika: "No she hasn't. She never told me anything about her personal life."
Monika's Father: "Now she was strict."
Monika: "What?"
Monika's Father: "It's true. Your Grandmother was the reason why Your mother and aunt would always compete. She always showed favoritism to Cecilia. She always did have the most talent and your mother took that as an insult. I guess when your mother sees you, you remind her of herself. I'm not saying this so you would be forgive you mother. What she said and done is no excuse and you have every right to be upset with her, but I want you to know the truth. Be the one to break the circle and never look back."
Monika: "I will."
Monika's Father: "Get to bed. You still got work to do tomorrow."
Monika: "I know, thank you." Her dad smiles a bit before leaving to bed. Being left alone she took a deep breath. (Is this how it felt for you when you spoke up?) *Sigh* "Finally I am at peace." She smiles blissfully. Ending the night as the day finally came.
As soon as school started an announcement was made for when the Election will start. With the matter all set, school hours continue as normal until the 3rd and 4th period has started as classes during those times were cancel for the assembly. With the crowd gathering, the four members of the student Council readies themselves to give their speech on why they should be elected.
Patty: "So nerve wracking." She tries to control her breathing.
Leo: "Man why are you even trying?"
Patty: "What do you mean?"
Leo: "We all know who's going to win, so why bother?"
Patty: "I know that, but who's going to be Vice President? Since Todd stepped down, someone has to take up his position."
Leo: "Meh"
Patty: "God why are you here if you're not going to take this serious?"
Wyatt: "Let it go. This is his way of staying calm. Leave it be for now."
Patty: "Fine"
Monika: "Stay focus." Patty looks to her side. "Have confidence in yourself. I know you'll do a great job."
Patty: "Monika?"
Monika: "I've seen it. You have great potential to be a leader."
Patty: "But I."
Monika: "I'm aware that you were shy back then, but look at yourself now. You're the President of the Arts and Crafts Club, your always so organized even when we give you pressure. If you can work well under pressure, then you can achieve so much more."
Patty: "Thank you. That really cheered me up."
Monika: "Good, I'm glad to hear that, because I now leave our goal to you."
Patty: "What?" Monika walks up as she prepares herself.
With everything set up, the Principle steps up and gives his announcement. He gave out the rules to everyone on how they will handle it. Each member of the Council will give a speech the order being Leo, Wyatt, Patty, and Lastly Monika. After they each give their speech, the student body will cast their votes using the laptops set up for this occasion. After that the votes will be tallied up, the one with the most votes will be the new Student Council President and the one with the second best will be Vice President.
With the rules set up the first three gave each of their speeches to their classmates. When it came to Leo and Wyatt, not much showed enthusiasm as the only ones who cheered for them was their respective teammates and friends. With them not catching the students attention, Patty took up the spot light and gave a wonderful speech that catch a large majority of the school. While she gave her speech, waiting for her time to take the mic.
Monika thinks to herself. She thought about her life choices and wonders if she has what it takes to follow her own path. She remembers how her mother would always force her to learn and work at a young age such as playing a violin. She remembers the dresses her mother would force her to wear and drag to places she never wanted to go. The work she had to put in just to impress her mother at the cost of throwing away her childhood. The mask of the perfect girl who could do no wrong.
All these years she had to keep the illusion as a leader and to never show her burdens to anyone, but ever since she first started the Literature Club. The mask she wore started to crack. She made friends and got to hang out with them like a normal girl. When she thinks about it more. She wonders why she's the leader? If she never wanted to be a leader, why not give it to Sayori? She was always the fun one, always able to get excited no matter what ideas were thrown at. If not her then why not Yuri?
She may be shy, but she has shown tremendous knowledge far greater than her own. It was then it finally hit her. The reason she chose to stay as President was because she wanted it. She never wanted to be a leader for anyone else except the one thing she enjoys, literature. For the first time, she thought of the joy she had being the Literature Club President. The joy that filled her, the one thing that motivated her to face her demons, and now it was time for her speech as Patty leaves the stage with a cheering crowd.
Patty: "Phew, that was scary, but I manage to do it."
Wyatt: "Yeah, great work out there."
Leo: "Tch"
Wyatt: "Still salty?" Leo just sticks his tongue out.
Patty: "Well it's time for The Queen to step up."
Monika: "I don't think that'll happen."
Patty: "Huh?" Monika smiles and stares at her.
Monika: "I leave it all to you." She steps up to the spot light as the crowd cheers louder.
Later that very same day. After school had finally ended and everyone was gone. Standing alone in the empty room as the sky changes orange. The door opening so suddenly.
Michael: "You called?" He enters the secret room.
Monika: "Yeah, thanks for coming here after club hours had ended. I'm sorry for bothering you."
Michael: "It's cool. So what did you want to talk about?"
Monika: "Well you see …"
Michael: "Is it about the Election?"
Monika: "No, not at all. As a matter of fact I'm glad everything went well. I know everything will be taken care of."
*Earlier*
The cheering crowd roaring as The Queen takes her spot. When she raised her hand, the crowd became silent, waiting for The Queen to speak.
"Everyone, from my fellow classmates and to our staff. I like to take the time to thank you all for your constant support since the beginning of my school year. For when I became a Student Council Member, to the Club President of the Debate and Literature Clubs. I want you all to know how happy that makes me to hear each and everyone of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I know who ever you vote will lead you all to a better future."
The Crowd cheers as she readies herself. "All great things must come to an end. When I first arrived to this school. I saw a lot of terrible things here. From fights to corrupted teachers. When I saw all of it, it made me upset yet determine to fix the wrongs of this community. However I was not alone for The King himself Todd to the Emperor Zackary." The crowd cheers louder when hearing the names.
"The three of us had a goal, a goal in which we can fix the school from students to staffs. It may have taken us years and perhaps longer, but I know our goal will continue even when we leave. Which I s why … with a heavy heart …" She stares at the crowd for the last time with fear in her heart, but remembering the words of support. Those fears soon faded away as she speaks again.
(No fear, no doubts.) "I Monika the Queen. The last of the big three. Leave our goal to the next. I have decided to bow out of the Election." The crowd gasps.
Patty: "What?"
Leo: "Woah, woah, what's she thinking?"
Wyatt: "She can't be serious, right?"
Patty: "Wait Monika!" She gets up stage to face her. "What are you doing?"
Monika: "Doing what I always wanted to do."
Patty: "But?"
Monika: "Even when we're separated, we still have the same thought." Patty stares at her confused.
Patty: "What do you mean?"
Monika: "I want a life of my own. All my life I did what my parents want me to do. Instead of doing what I want to do."
Patty: "But, we need a leader. We need you." Monika shakes her head.
Monika: "No, you don't. I trust you to continue our dream."
Patty: "Monika I?"
Monika: "You'll do great. I believe in you and I'm sure the others will."
Patty: "Monika?" Monika faces the crowd once more.
Monika: "I hereby stand down as Student Council and nominate Patty to be the new Student Council President. I have complete confidence that she'll make the school the best it can ever be." She turns to Patty. "It's your time to lead."
Patty: "Yes Monika. I won't let you down." She says with tears in her eyes as the two hug.
Monika: "This is goodbye everyone. I love you all!" The crowd cheers with tears in their eyes as the last of the big three leaves, but soon turned their attention to Patty as it was made clear she would be the new Student Council President. While they cheered Monika looks over to the crowd and sees Todd giving her a small smile and her turning in one big smile.
*Now*
Michael: "That was pretty crazy. I never expect you to step down in front of everyone like that."
Monika: "You haven't?"
Michael: "No I honestly thought you do it the same way Todd did."
Monika: "Well you know me, I like to show off." The two chuckle together until she spoke up again. "You know I have you to thank."
Michael: "Me?" She nods. "Ah no, I didn't do anything. All I did was talk out of my ass."
Monika: "Yeah, but you motivated me and so many others."
Michael: "Well you know I …" She walks up to him closely. "Monika?"
Monika: "You've grown a lot. You know that?" He struggles to respond. Before he knew it, he was being embraced by her. "Last year you were so cold and distant. I honestly thought you hated me for my reputation or maybe going through a phase, but after Sayori brought you in I got to know the real you.
You, the same man who was haunted by your demons and yet fought back only to inspire others. Sayori was depressed and on the verge of suicide, but she has far greater happy thoughts, Natsuki, the one who was mean who wanted to keep to herself, but now she's more open to us than ever before in her own unique way of course, Yuri, she was very shy even to us. It took us a long time to get her to open up and here you are.
The one who broke her walls, Sebastian the man who thought he lost his path found a new one, and Johnny, the one who was an antagonist to us is now a member of our club. You've touched their hearts and made them better people." She breaks from the hug.
"So remember when I said I've been practicing the piano?"
Michael: "You have. Why?" She giggles.
Monika: "I think I'm ready to share it now."
Michael: "!"
Monika: "And I want you to be the first. Will you let me play for you?"
Michael: "I be honored if you would."
Monika: "Thank you. I won't disappoint you." She hops onto her seat with a cute smile on her face and readies herself.
[Your Reality by The Original Doki Doki Literature Club]
She begins playing the piano, before he knew it she started singing.
"Every day, I imagine a future where I can be with you
In my hand is a pen that will write a poem of me and you."
As she sang, so calmy, so peaceful, so beautiful. Michael was almost captivated by her beauty, but upon further inspection she saw something on her face.
"But in this world of infinite choices
What will it take just to find that special day
What will it take just to find that special day."
He saw the real Monika. The true face of beauty not the mask she had when they first met. The one no longer caring the burdens on her shoulders. The one free from Despair.
"When you're here, everything that we do is fun for them anyway
When I can't even read my own feelings."
As she continues to play Michael thinks back to how the club first started. From when he first arrived to when they first shared their poems. The fun times they had when it was just the five of them to the hurtful memories that they went through. The pain he went through, the fear of becoming who he hates, the abuse, but the Hope he gained to face those demons head on.
"Is it love if I take you, or is it love if I set you free"
He remembers the pain Natsuki went through, but soon spoke up, setting her free from her burdens to when he faced his past again only to break the chains for the sake of her and Yuri. He began to think about the new members who joined and fun times they are having as a club. Going through it all he looks back at Monika's beautiful smile as she continues to sing.
"And in your reality, if I don't know how to love you
I'll leave you be"
[Song Ends]
"What did you think?" She asks with a blush on her face.
Michael: "It was beautiful. Thanks for letting me listen to it."
Monika: "I'm glad you liked it." She gets up and makes her way to him. "I've been working really hard to get it right."
Michael: "I'm glad to see that it was all worth it. It was really beautiful."
Monika: "Michael" She places her hands on his chest.
Michael: "What's wrong?" She places her head on his chest, but instead of doing anything. He decided to hug her.
Monika: "There's so much I want to thank you for, so much I want to say to you."
Michael: "You can tell me anything. I won't judge." The two break the hug and looked into each other's eyes.
[Crush by David Archuleta]
Monika: "I love you. Not as The Queen, not as The Literature Club President, not as a friend, but as a woman. I love you. You mean the world to me. Will you accept my confession?"
Michael: "… Monika I …"
Monika: "Yes?"
Michael: "… I'm flattered that you like me, but … I …" Choking in his own words struggling what to say.
Monika: "Michael, do what you want. I already know the answer. It's time for you to say it. Say what your really feeling to my face."
Michael: "But …"
Monika: "Please, set me free. Be the man I respect and reject the one everyone desires." He looks at her with a determine face and nods at her request.
Michael: "Monika, you are a beautiful girl, you're athletic, smart, kind. You are the one everyone wants and it makes me happy to know that you have feelings for me, but … I can't accept your feelings. My heart is set on someone else. I'm sorry, but I love someone else." As she said that, tears start to build in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, but …" She starts to giggle. "Huh?"
Monika: "Don't apologize. I did ask you to tell me the truth, so don't worry about me." She smiles with a shed of tear running down her face.
Michael: "But I?"
Monika: "I may be hurt that you don't feel the same for me, but at the same time. I never felt so alive. I'm grateful to have met you. You a good man." He doesn't respond as he looks down sad. "Hey chin up." She lift up his head, so they could meet eye to eye again. "I'm grateful to you and I hope to see more of what you're made of."
Michael: "Yes Monika."
Monika: "Can I ask you a favor?"
Michael: "Anything"
Monika: "Can you hold me one last time?"
Michael: "Of course." The two embrace once again. After hugging each for what felt like an eternity. He attempted to break the hug, but she wouldn't let go. "Monika?"
Monika: "Please, just let me be selfish, just a little longer."
Michael: "Sure" He smiles and hugs her back.
Monika: "Never forget. I will always love you no matter what.
Thank you."
[Song Ends]
End of Chapter 69
